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The 2013 Unsung Hero Award, given during a ceremony on Oct. 9, recognizes staff who are dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence.

Singing the praises of MGH's unsung heroes

25/Oct/2013

HEROES AMONG US: From left, Macias-Konstantopoulos, Cloutier and Levinson

“I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and for that I am eternally grateful,” said Hilary Levinson, a registered nurse in the MGH Emergency Department, during a ceremony honoring her recent efforts identifying and treating a patient who was the victim of domestic violence. “Caring for patients is a privilege beyond any other and one that I hold close to my heart.”

Levinson received the 2013 Unsung Hero Award from the MGH Domestic Violence Working Group, alongside fellow honorees Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, MD, MPH, in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Michael Cloutier, senior investigator in the Police and Security Special Investigations Unit. The annual award, given during a ceremony on Oct. 9, recognizes staff who are dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence.

“We received nominations honoring skilled professionals from all areas of the hospital,” said Elizabeth Speakman, LICSW, director of HAVEN (Hospital’s Helping Abuse and Violence End Now). “We have many people who truly go above and beyond the above and beyond.”

Cloutier was honored for his dedication to providing victims of violence with options and resources in a comforting and compassionate manner and for his devotion to ensuring the patients are connected to the proper care and support following treatment at the hospital. “Everyone here works for the same goal and everyone plays an important role in supporting the MGH community,” he said.

Macias-Konstantopoulos, who also serves as medical director of the Human Trafficking Initiative in the Division of Global Health, was recognized for her efforts to educate clinicians about the signs patients involved in sex trafficking might exhibit as well as the intricacies of treating these patients. “Thank you for honoring me in such a valuable and important way,” she said. “I am thankful there are so many heroes at the MGH that could have been recognized today, and I share this with everybody who does this work.”